Why is this procedure done?
Fainting is a sudden, brief loss of consciousness. Your brain needs oxygen to work the right way. It gets this from the blood that flows to the brain. If there is a drop in blood flow to the brain for a short time, you may faint. You will wake up after a couple of minutes. ‚
A tilt table test is used to help understand the cause of feeling faint or lightheaded. This test may be done if you have repeated fainting spells. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored during the test. ‚
What will the results be?
The doctor will better understand what is causing your fainting. Your doctor will also see how your heart rate and blood pressure respond to changes in position. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- If you need to stop taking any of your drugs before the test.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the procedure room, you will lie down on a special table. The staff may put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- The room will be quiet and dimly lit.
- The table will be able to change positions. It will be slowly tilted and you will go from laying down to standing up. You will stand on a footboard. The table will have safety straps to prevent falling in case you faint.
- The doctor will put small pads on the chest, legs, and arms. These are called electrodes and they are used to monitor the heartbeat. You will also have a blood pressure cuff on your arm during the test.
- You will stay in each position for 5 to 45 minutes.
- If you faint during the test, the staff will return the table to the flat position. Drugs may be needed if heart rate or blood pressure does not return to normal.
- The entire test takes about 90 minutes.
- A nurse or doctor will be with you for the entire test.
What happens after the procedure?
- The doctor will talk with you about the results.
- If fainting happens, monitoring for another 15 to 20 minutes may be needed.
- You are most often able to go home after the test.
- You should arrange for a ride home after the test.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to control the signs of fainting such as dizziness and upset stomach. Take the drugs as ordered by your doctor. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Continuous low blood pressure
- Continuous episodes of fainting that could result in injury
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Headache not relieved by pain drugs
- Hit your head or have body pain after fainting
- Another fainting episode
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Society ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/SymptomsDiagnosisofHeartAttack/Tilt-Table-Test_UCM_446441_Article.jsp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚